DUPLICATE

Align

 

The Duplicate->Align command in the Motion module allows you to align elements of one model with the elements of another. You can align a point, edge, or polygon of one object to a point, edge, or polygon of another object. You can also choose to have the normals of the two objects line up where they are connected. The first object is automatically positioned according to the alignment information.

In addition, the transformation of the icon serves as a convenient way for moving the aligned object: rotations pivot about the alignment in x and y and revolve about the alignment in z. Translations slide along the alignment in x and y, and slide perpendicularly away from the alignment in z.

Procedure

  1. The Align effect requires two objects: each object must have a tagged element, either a point, an edge, or a polygon.

    Note:
    The object does not have to be a polygon mesh. An "edge" is defined as any two tagged control points, and a "polygon" is defined as any collection of tagged control points.
  2. Choose the Duplicate->Align command. The Align dialogue box is displayed.
  3. Set the parameters as desired.
  4. Pick the object to align, then pick the object to which you are aligning the object, according to the prompts displayed in the status line.

The Align icon appears and the objects are aligned to each other as specified.

Parameters

Align This Element

Select a tagged point, edge, or polygon of the object to be aligned.

To This Element

Select a tagged point, edge, or polygon of the object to which the first object is aligned.

Align Normals

When this option is selected, the normals of the corresponding elements are forced to line up. This is useful when aligning polygons, for example, because the objects are forced to align in such a way that the polygons are flush against each other.

Since Align is a motion effect, the alignment information is satisfied on a frame-by-frame basis. Also, the translation and rotation of the icon serves as a convenient way to alter the precise positioning and orientation of the alignment.

 

Last updated 02-apr-1998